Is The Ignition Noise Sound Alright?

[Tide Gu]

Hi all,

Sorry for my poor English. I experience the ignition noise almost since the very early days when I bought my IS 250. The dealer told me the sound is normal but I still worrying if it is. I attached the recording in attachment.

My IS was a 08 reg second hand IS250SR, automatic, nearly 3 years old and 33k miles when I bought. The noise does not happen every time I start my engine, but it is more noticeable on the next cold start after a long highway driving. It sometimes gives on semi-cold (if it can be described like that) start after highway drive but rarely gives on hot start - well, sometimes it doesn't have the noise on first cold start but if I turn the engine off and on again, it will probably (very few) give the noise.

The car has full regular service history from Lexus and since I bought the car, I always ask them to put Lexus 0W30 when changing oil and I always use Shell V-Power. The noise seems to be more frequent during the past 3 years that I own this car.

BTW, it seems that I need to add engine oil once between services, is that normal? Most of my trips are short urban trips (home, work, tesco), about 5~10 miles daily, and some (60~100 miles?) highway trips occasionally in weekend. Annual mileage is around 6000 + longer holiday travels for about 2000~3000 miles extra. Will such short trips wear the engine/oil faster than normal?

Memo.m4a.zip

[is200 Newbie]

Hi Tide

I don't think a lot of people these days will download a zip file due to viruses etc ...

Would be easier to add this to you tube so people can take a look at the problem you have

[Tide Gu]

Hi Tide

I don't think a lot of people these days will download a zip file due to viruses etc ...

Would be easier to add this to you tube so people can take a look at the problem you have

Hi, sorry for uploading a zip file, as the forum doesn't allow me to upload m4a file. I promise it's NOT a virus. It's a 6s recording using voice memo on my Iphone. I'll try to upload but haven't done before. Trying now, thanks!

-- Sorry, really no idea how to convert m4a file to video file. Youtube refuses audio only uploads. Please trust me it's not a virus.

Edited April 24, 2014 by Tide Gu

[steve2006]

Sorry I can't open the file you have posted could you re do it using the video camera on your phone,this will allow you to upload the picture and sound content to Youtube.

[Exdee]

Just heard the clip. It is a familiar noise and has been discussed here various times:

Engine rattle on start up

Grinding noise on start

Engine crankingstartup noise

Auto cold engine rattle

Engine rattle on cold start

Summary:

1) It is harmless

2) Topping up oil seems to cure it (till it's low again). The car burns oil as you are already aware so topping up between services is normal too.

[Tide Gu]

Just heard the clip. It is a familiar noise and has been discussed here various times:

Engine rattle on start up

Grinding noise on start

Engine crankingstartup noise

Auto cold engine rattle

Engine rattle on cold start

Summary:

1) It is harmless

2) Topping up oil seems to cure it (till it's low again). The car burns oil as you are already aware so topping up between services is normal too.

Thanks Exdee, I probably will go back to Lexus again and talk with them, just not sure as my car has out of warranty, and the problem existed since it still was in warranty, if they will do anything :)

Is a normal car should/shouldn't need to top up oil between services? The first time I noticed this was 11 months I got this car, while trying to push my car to 120mph (yes, but just for 1~2 minutes, and I do NOT suggest others do so, and TBH as a new driver and it's my first car, I was keened to see how fast my car goes), the low engine oil level warning was given. I immediately slowed down, and brought to Lexus to investigate and they topped up oil. I then realised that I have to top up half or whole bottle of oil between services afterwards.

I didn't think it burns oil as I never see grey smoke out from the exhaust, just some white fog during cold day, I assume it is steam (but where the water came from?) and harmless, am I right?

[dazed]

Water is one of the products of combustion and will leave your exhaust as steam. Once it hits the cold air outside it condenses and briefly appears as the 'white smoke' you see. This effect is more pronounced on cold days.

[Tide Gu]

Water is one of the products of combustion and will leave your exhaust as steam. Once it hits the cold air outside it condenses and briefly appears as the 'white smoke' you see. This effect is more pronounced on cold days.

Well, please forget my ignorance XD Just realised how stupid the question was! I should know that LOL

CxHy + O2 --> CO2 + H2O :P